Product description

Fifteen-year-old Zoe has a secret - a dark and terrible secret that she can't confess to anyone she knows. But then one day she hears of a criminal, Stuart Harris, locked up on death row in Texas. Like Zoe, Stuart is no stranger to secrets. Or lies. Or murder. Full of heartache yet humour, Zoe tells her story in the only way she can - in letters to the man in prison in America. Armed with a pen, Zoe takes a deep breath, eats a jam sandwich, and begins her tale of love and betrayal.

Author information

Annabel Pitcher studied English at Oxford and has since worked as a script writer and an English teacher. She lives in Yorkshire with her husband and is now a full time writer. Visit Annabel's website at www.annabelpitcher.com

Review quote

In Ketchup Clouds Annabel Pitcher perfectly captures a teenage voice harbouring a guilty and devastating secret as Zoe writes letters to a death row prisoner and slowly reveals the sequence of events that led up to the terrible act she believes she has committed. The letters offer an honest, moving and at times humourous insight into Zoe's life, including her family, first love and friendships, ensuring this book will have wide appeal. -- Vanessa Lewis, The Book Nook THE BOOKSELLER Award-winning author Annabel Pitcher's new teen novel is a taut and dramatic adventure with a deep yearning at its heart. Ketchup Clouds vividly captures the terrifying roller coaster of emotion that envelopes Zoe when she gets caught in a tragic love triangle between two brothers. Zoe's heart races for the mysterious Aaron but, despite his seeming keenness, he already has a girlfiend. And then there is younger brother Max, unattached and very keen on Zoe. How can Zoe manage her own feelings without hurting the boys especially when she's also coping with puzzling dramas at home? -- Julia Eccleshare LOVEREADING A wonderful, romantic and sad story told through a series of letters written by a fifteen-year-old girl to a man on death row. It's heartstoppingly gorgeous and we'd recommend it to anyone. -- Jill Murphy The Book Bag An endearing love story, a painful account of guilt and loss, and a chilling show of the consequences of our actions this book is a worthwhile and thought provoking read. -- Jenny Duffy LOVEREADING Ketchup Clouds was a wonderful insight into a guilty heart. The book was fantastic and the writing was flawless, what more could you ask? -- Delilah Acworth LOVEREADING Wow. Ketchup Clouds is without question one of the best books I have ever read. This is one of those books that you start to read, and three hours later look up from and realize the whole world looks different -- Harriet Cunningham LOVEREADING This is a suspenseful mystery and a moving tale of first love, handled with humour. -- Nicolette Jones THE SUNDAY TIMES Any teenager doing an anxious post-mortem on a Christmas party can take comfort from Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher, an honest portrayal of emerging sexuality and the excitement, embarrassment and power games it generates, set in the context of the cost of secrecy and betrayal. THE OBSERVER Award-winning author Annabel Pitcher's new teen novel is a taut and dramatic adventure with a deep yearning at its heart. Ketchup Clouds vividly captures the terrifying roller coaster of emotion that envelopes Zoe when she gets caught in a tragic love triangle between two brothers. Zoe's heart races for the mysterious Aaron but, despite his seeming keenness, he already has a girlfriend. And then there is younger brother Max, unattached and very keen on Zoe. How can Zoe manage her own feelings without hurting the boys especially when she's also coping with puzzling dramas at home? -- Julia Eccleshare LOVEREADING Ketchup Clouds is smart, funny, moving, suspensful and psychologically astute. -- Adi Bloom TES Ketchup Clouds is risky, confident, compelling and ends... with hope for redemption and self-forgiveness. -- Mal Peet The Guardian Pitcher's award-winning first novel, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, had guilt at its core. This superb follow-up also explores guilt and responsibility but with such a pitch perfect tone that the innocence of adolescence, the violence of murder and an undercurrent of black humour sit happily side by side. This is a vivid and rewarding portrait of passion and betrayal, captured in authentic teenage tones. -- Sally Morris Daily Mail Blending powerful emotion and darkness with ironic humour, it is a gripping and moving story about secrets, lies and growing up. Sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes wistful, often funny and always compassionate, this is a beautifully-crafted and unexpected coming-of-age story that will win readers' hearts. Booktrust A gripping, must-read book for 2013 Bella Annabel Pitcher creates a moving and compassionate story, capturing Zoe's loss of innocence beautifully as well as her journey of heartache and desire. Ketchup Clouds is edgy and poised. With twists and turns, its hard to put down and makes the perfect follow up to Pitcher's sensational debut. Cosmopolitan A wonderful, romantic and sad story told through a series of letters written by a fifteen-year-old girl to a man on death row. It's heart-stoppingly gorgeous and we'd recommend it to anyone. The Bookbag It's utterly refreshing to see a YA writer be so honest about everyday life and not look away when times are dark. I suppose the beauty of her work is in her honesty, but also in her humour. Dog Ear Discs Pitcher's tale of troubled family life is deftly done... A moving and ultimately highly compassionate tale. To be human is to err, after all. -- Martin Chilton The Telegraph a memorable and compelling novel to devour in one, weepy, sitting. -- Laura Fraine Books for Keeps Clever, warm and poignant, this book is the perfect way to begin your new year's resolutions to fill those bookshelves! -- Claire Frost Fabulous Mag ...poignant, funny and utterly beguiling. The author's writing style is as appealing and offbeat as the book's title. CHOICE MAGAZINE Powerful and utterly original... -- Natasha Harding THE SUN

Back cover copy

www.annabelpitcher.co.uk
www.orionbooks.co.uk
978 1 78062 030 5

Flap copy

I've done something wrong.
Not a little bit wrong or even quite a lot wrong.What I've done is awful.
And do you want to know the worst thing?I've got away with it.
Zoe Collins has a secret - a dark and terrible secret that she dares confess to no one that she knows.But then one day she hears of a criminal on death row who knows all about secrets.And lies.And betrayal.Desperate to confide in someone, Zoe picks up a pen, and takes a deep breath.
These are the letters that she wrote.
www.orionbooks.co.uk
£9.99